Electrical connector and devices using the same

ABSTRACT

The subject disclosure is directed to female connectors which can be employed in a quick connect/disconnect system used in medical devices to provide a non-permanent electrical and mechanical engagement with a male connector. The female connectors include, inter alia, a connector body that has an outer periphery and an aperture extending therethrough. The connector body has a flexible, non-conductive portion and a conductive portion which is at least partially exposed in the aperture and on the outer periphery of the connector body. The connector body is constructed such that when a male connector is inserted into the aperture of the connector body, the flexible, non-conductive part and the conductive part of the connecter body cooperate to allow for expansion of the aperture, creating contact pressure between the conductive part of the connector body and the male connector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/647,736, filed Jan. 27, 2005, entitled “CONNECTING MECHANISMFOR USE WITH A MALE CONNECTOR,” and to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/179,304, filed Jun. 12, 2005, entitled “LEAD ADAPTER HAVING LOWRESISTANCE CONDUCTORS AND/OR ENCAPSULATED HOUSING,” the disclosures ofeach of these applications are herein incorporated by reference theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention is directed generally to electromechanicalconnecting mechanisms, and more particularly, to electrical connectorsthat are configured for providing a non-permanent mechanical engagementand electrical communication with male connectors typically associatedwith leads used in electrophysiological devices, such as implantablecardiac rhythm management devices and external electrical generators.

2. Background of the Related Art

Electrical stimulation devices for cardiac stimulation are well known inthe medical field. Cardiac stimulation devices are used for therapeuticand/or diagnostic purposes. These devices, which include cardiacpacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators, generally interfacewith cardiac tissue by means of implantable or otherwise attachablecardiac leads. These leads employ male connectors to operatively connectwith matching receptacles located in the therapeutic and/or diagnosticdevices.

Connectors are available in various configurations which are often ofstandardized types readily recognized by those practicing in the art.Common connector types well known in the art currently include: IS-1type (International Standard ISO 5841.3:2000) low profile pacing/sensingconnectors which have a 3.2 mm diameter and are available in unipolar orbipolar configurations; LV-1 type pacing/sensing connectors which have a1.8 mm diameter and are available in unipolar and bipolar configurations(Guidant Corporation); and DF-1 type (International Standard ISO11318:2002) defibrillator connectors which have a unipolarconfiguration.

There is a need for a quick connect/disconnect female connector systemthat is adapted to receive male connectors, such as the aforementionedstandardized connectors, and provides a secure, non-permanent mechanicalengagement therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject disclosure is directed to female connectors which can beemployed in a quick connect/disconnect system used in medical devices toprovide a non-permanent electrical and mechanical engagement with a maleconnector. The female connector includes, inter alia, a connector bodythat has an outer periphery and an aperture extending therethrough. Incertain embodiments, the connector body is cuboid (i.e., a rectangularparallelepiped). Moreover, in representative embodiments, the apertureformed in the connector body has a circular cross-section when viewed ina plane extending perpendicularly through its central axis.

The connector body includes a flexible, non-conductive portion and aconductive portion which is at least partially exposed in the apertureand on the outer periphery of the connector body. The connector body isconstructed such that when a male connector is inserted into theaperture of the connector body, the flexible, non-conductive part andthe conductive part of the connecter body cooperate to allow forexpansion of the aperture, creating contact pressure between theconductive part of the connector body and the male connector.

Preferably, the conductive portion of the connector body is more rigidthan the non-conductive portion of the connector body. Moreover, incertain embodiments, the conductive portion of the connector bodyincludes two or more conductive segments. In constructions which includetwo conductive segments, the conductive segments can be positioned ondiametrically opposing sides of the aperture defined through theconnector body. Still further, the conductive portion of the connectorbody can include interlocking conductive segments which in combinationdefine the aperture and are free to move radially with respect to eachother.

It is presently preferred that in certain embodiments of the disclosedfemale connector, at least a portion of the aperture formed in theconnector body is defined by the flexible, non-conductive portion of theconnector body. Alternatively, the conductive portion of the connectorbody can define the entire inner diametrical surface of the aperture. Incertain constructions, a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axiallyextending grooves can be formed in the inner diametrical surface of theaperture.

It is envisioned that the conductive portion of the connector body canbe made from materials, such as, titanium, 316L stainless steel orMP35N, or combinations thereof. In a representative embodiment, theconductive portion of the connector body is made from a nonmagnetic,nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy. Moreover, the non-conductiveportion of the connector body is preferably made from silicon. It isalso envisioned that the connector body is made using an over-moldedprocess and/or an injection molding process.

The present disclosure is also directed to a female connector for usewith a male connector having an outer diameter. The female connectorincludes a connector body that has an outer periphery and defines athrough aperture. The connector body includes a flexible, non-conductiveportion and a conductive portion, which is at least partially exposed inthe aperture and on the outer periphery of the connector body. Theconnector body is constructed such that when the outer diameter of themale connector is larger than the inner diameter of the aperture, theflexible, non-conductive part and conductive part of the connecter bodycooperate to allow for expansion of the aperture and receipt of the maleconnector and create contact pressure between the conductive part of theconnector body and the male connector.

The subject invention is also directed to an electrical adapter forreceiving at least one male connector. The adapter includes, inter alia,a housing and at least one female connector disposed within a receptacledefined by the housing. The receptacle(s) defined by the housing areconfigured for receiving a male connector(s). The female connectorincludes a connector body that has an outer periphery and apertureextending through the body. In certain embodiments, the connector bodyis cuboid (i.e., a rectangular parallelepiped). Moreover, it ispresently envisioned that in representative embodiments, the aperturehas a circular cross-section when viewed in a plane extendingperpendicularly through its central axis.

The connector body is formed from a flexible, non-conductive portion anda conductive portion. The non-conductive portion is at least partiallyexposed in the aperture and on the outer periphery of the connectorbody. The connector body is constructed such that when a male connectoris inserted into the aperture of the connector body, the flexible,non-conductive part and the conductive part of the connecter bodycooperate to allow for expansion of the aperture, creating contactpressure between the conductive part of the connector body and the maleconnector.

In a preferred embodiment, the adapter includes, inter alia, a pluralityof female connectors coaxially positioned within the receptacle of thehousing and axially spaced apart. Each female connector is adapted forelectrical communication with a surface electrode provided on the maleconnector. It is presently envisioned that the housing is madesubstantially from electrically non-conductive material.

In certain embodiments, the aperture in the female connector has aninside diameter which is preferably at least partially smaller than theoutside diameter of the male connector. Therefore, insertion of the maleconnector into the aperture causes a force to be exerted on theperiphery of the aperture and female connector in general. The flexibleand resilient non-conductive portion of the connector body deflects ordeforms in response, thus allowing the opening to be enlarged only asmuch as sufficient to permit the male connector to be fully extendedthrough the opening. Due to its resiliency, the non-conductive portionreacts in a spring-like manner to the deformation, and a correspondingresistive force urges the aperture to return to its originalconfiguration (i.e., prior to deformation). The resistive force directedtoward the aperture results in the formation of a non-permanentmechanical engagement with the conductive portion of the connector bodywhich is exposed in the aperture and the male connector.

The subject disclosure is also directed to a system for receiving a maleconnector having a plurality of surface electrodes spaced apart andexposed along the periphery of the male connector. The system of thepresent invention can be incorporated in a variety of equipment anddevices, such as pacemakers and neuro-stimulators, or devices of othertypes from diverse fields.

The housing for the disclosed female connector can be separate from aparticular device, such as an adapter, or part of a device, such as apacemaker (e.g., the header cavity). The housing can also include theremaining components required for the particular device to function. Thesystem also includes one or more electrically conductive lines forproviding electrical communication between the conductive portions ofthe female connectors and features, components, further connectors orwhatever appropriate destinations are associated with the device.

These and other aspects of the female connectors and systems of thesubject invention will become more readily apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the subjectinvention pertains will more readily understand how to make and use thefemale connector of the subject invention, preferred embodiments thereofwill be described in detail hereinbelow with reference to the drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a female connector which has beenconstructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along axis 2-2 of the femaleconnector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a female connector which has beenconstructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along axis 4-4 of the femaleconnector shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a yet further embodiment of a femaleconnector which has been constructed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along axis 6-6 of the femaleconnector shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a female connector which has beenconstructed in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along axis 8-8 of the femaleconnector shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lead having a male connectorassociated with an end thereof and a lead adapter which has beenconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the housing portionof the lead adapter of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the lead adapter of FIG. 9 with the upper halfof the two-part adapter housing removed for ease of illustration;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along axis 12-12 of the leadadapter of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along axis 13-13 of the leadadapter of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a pulse generating device having tworeceptacles for receiving two male connectors; and

FIG. 15 is enlarged perspective view of the header cavity for the pulsegenerating device shown in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identifysimilar structural elements of the subject invention, there isillustrated in FIGS. 1-8 exemplary embodiments of female connectorswhich have been constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.The exemplary female connectors presented herein are all generallyrectangular shaped blocks (i.e., cuboids) with a circular opening oraperture defined approximately at the center of the larger side face.However, connecting mechanisms constructed according to the presentdisclosure, along with any openings therein, can be of a variety ofother shapes and configurations without departing from the inventiveaspects of the present application.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a female connectorwhich has been constructed in accordance with the present invention anddesignated by reference numeral 10. Female connector 10 includes aconnector body 12 that has an outer periphery 14 and an aperture 16extending therethrough. Connector body 12 is cuboid (i.e., a rectangularparallelepiped) and the aperture 16 formed in the connector body has acircular cross-section when viewed in a plane extending perpendicularlythrough central axis “X”.

Connector body 12 includes flexible, non-conductive segments 18 a-c anddiametrically opposed conductive segments 20 a and 20 b. Each of theconductive segments 20 a/20 b include a inner surface, 22 a and 22 b,respectively, which is exposed in the aperture 16. Each of theconductive portions 20 a/20 b also have a surface, 24 a and 24 b,respectively, which is exposed on the outer periphery 14 of theconnector body 12. Connector body 12 is constructed such that when amale connector is inserted into aperture 16 of the connector body 12,the flexible, non-conductive segments 18 a-18 c and the conductivesegments 20 a and 20 b of the connecter body 12 cooperate to allow forexpansion of the aperture 16, creating contact pressure between thesurfaces 24 a and 24 b of conductive parts 20 a and 20 b of theconnector body 12 and the male connector.

In the presently disclosed embodiment, the conductive segments 20 a and20 b of the connector body 12 are more rigid than the non-conductivesegments 18 a-18 c. In the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2, theconductive segments 20 a and 20 b are made from MP35N, a nonmagnetic,nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy. Moreover, the non-conductivesegments 18-18 c of the connector body 12 are made from silicon.Connector body 12 is made by positioning the conductive segments 20-20 bwithin a mold and over-molding the segments with injected siliconrubber.

Upon insertion of a male connector, electrically non-conductive segments18 a-18 c deflect or deform radially outward which permits passage ofthe larger diameter male connector through aperture 16. However, theresilient character of non-conductive segments 18 a-18 c respond byexerting a radially inward force to urge surfaces 22 a and 22 b ofconductive segments 20 a and 20 b against electrodes located on thesurface of the male connector.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is illustrated a secondexemplary embodiment of a female connector that has been constructed inaccordance with the present disclosure and designated by referencenumeral 110. Like female connector 10, connector 110 includes aconnector body 112 that has an outer periphery 114 and an aperture 116extending therethrough. Moreover, connector body 112 is cuboid and theaperture 116 formed in the connector body has a circular cross-sectionwhen viewed in a plane extending perpendicularly through central axis“X”.

Also like the previously described female connector 10, connector body112 of connector 110 is formed from a flexible, non-conductive portionwhich has been molded around a conductive portion. The electricallyconductive portion of the connector body includes conductive segments120 a, 120 b, 120 c and 120 d which are positioned adjacent to theperimeter of aperture 116 with non-conductive portion 118 positionedgenerally on the radially outer volume of connector body 112. Uponinsertion of a male connector, the arrangement of the conductivesegments 120 a-120 d allows each of the segments to move radiallyoutward and relative to each other, thereby expanding the insidediameter of aperture 116. The non-conductive portion 118 of theconnector body 112 is sufficiently flexible to allow for the radialmovement of the conductive segments 120 a-120 e, but in response theretothe non-conductive segment 118 exerts a reactive force onto conductiveportions 120 a-120 d, resulting in a secure mechanical engagement withthe male connector and electrical engagement with electrodes on the maleconnector.

With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, which illustrate a third exemplaryembodiment of a female connector which has been constructed inaccordance with the present disclosure and designated by referencenumeral 210. Like the previously described female connectors 10 and 110,connector 210 includes a connector body 212 that has an outer periphery214 and an aperture 216 extending therethrough. Additionally, connectorbody 212 is cuboid and the aperture 216 formed in the connector body hasa circular cross-section when viewed in a plane extendingperpendicularly through central axis “X”.

Still further, connector body 212 of connector 210 is formed from aflexible, non-conductive portion which has been molded around aconductive portion. The flexible non-conductive portion 218 is generallypositioned around the lower periphery of the connector body 212. Theconductive portion of the connector body 212 includes conductivesegments 220 a-220 e which are positioned adjacently with respect toeach other in a generally interdigitated configuration and separated bynon-conductive portion 218. Upon insertion of a male connector, thearrangement of the conductive segments 120 a-120 e allows each of thesegments to move radially outward and relative to each other, therebyexpanding the inside diameter of aperture 216. The non-conductiveportion 218 of the connector body 212 is sufficiently flexible to allowfor the radial movement of the conductive segments 220 a-220 e, but inresponse thereto the non-conductive segment 218 exerts a reactive forceonto conductive portions 120 a-120 e, resulting in a mechanicalengagement with the male connector and electrical engagement withelectrodes on the male connector.

With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is illustrated a fourthexemplary embodiment of a female connector which has been designated asreference numeral 310 and is constructed in accordance with the presentdisclosure. Female connector 310 includes an electrically conductiveportion 320 disposed substantially around the periphery of aperture 316.Conductive portion 320 includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced,axially-extending grooves 322 on an interior periphery thereof thatfacilitate radial flexing of conductive portion 320. It should be notedthat conductive portion 320 can also be made from a material whichexhibits some pliability, although it is not required.

Upon insertion of a male connector, the grooves 322 and flexibility ofthe material allow conductive portion 320 to deform and expand theinside diameter of aperture 316. Moreover, the non-conductive portion318 of the connector body 312 is sufficiently flexible to allow for theradially outward movement of conductive portion 320, but in responsethereto the non-conductive segment 318 exerts a reactive force ontoconductive portion 320, resulting in a mechanical engagement with themale connector and secure electrical engagement with electrodes on themale connector.

Although any conductive material can be used for electrically conductiveportions in accordance with the present disclosure, the exemplaryembodiments described herein preferably employ titanium, 316L StainlessSteel, or MP35N. Any flexible and resilient non-conductive material maybe used for the electrically non-conductive portion in accordance withthe present disclosure, although silicone and like are presentlypreferred for the exemplary embodiments shown herein. Female connectors10, 110, 210 and 310 are preferably made by an overmold process, such asa process which involves positioning the conductive portions in adesired configuration within a mold prior to the non-conductive materialbeing injected therein.

With reference now to FIGS. 9-13, which illustrate a lead adapter foruse with an electrophysical device which has been designated asreference numeral 400. Lead adapter 400 is an exemplary embodiment of adevice which can incorporate the female connectors of the presentinvention to provide electrical communication and a non-permanentmechanical engagement between the various connector types associatedwith implantable cardiac rhythm management devices and externalelectrical generators.

Although lead adapter 400 is configured to mechanically and electricallyengage male quadripolar connector 450 (e.g., DF-4 type) which has threeelectrode rings 451 (distal), 452 (medial), 453 (proximal) and a distaltip electrode 454, it should be readily apparent that female connectorsconstructed in accordance with the present invention can be used toprovide a mechanical and electrical engagement in any system whichutilizes a male connector having one or more surface electrodes.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the quadripolarconnector 450, while described herein by way of a non-limiting exampleas a DF-4 type connector, could be an IS-4 type quadripolar connector,designed for pacing and sensing, rather than defibrillation. In suchinstances, the connector 450 could have contact configurations such asIS4-LLLO or IS4-LLLL. Moreover, the adapter can be configured to acceptother male connectors without departing from the inventive aspects ofthe present disclosure.

Lead adaptor 400 includes an encapsulated thermoplastic housing 410which defines a proximal end portion 412 and a distal end portion 414.The proximal end portion 412 has a first receptacle 416 configured toreceive a male connector 450 that associated with a first implantablecardiac lead. The receptacle 416 includes hardware, such as femaleconnectors 456 a-456 c, for providing an electrical interface withsurface electrodes associated with the cardiac lead connectors, asdiscussed in more detail below.

Elongated flexible leads 415 a-415 c extend from the distal end portion414 of the adaptor housing 410. The leads 415 a-415 c are preferablyformed from silicone or a similar biocompatible material.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, adaptor housing 410 is a two-part structure(410 a, 410 b) having internal cavities that define or otherwise formthe first receptacle 416 and accommodate the mechanical components andconductive wires associated therewith. The two halves 410 a, 410 b (notshown) of housing 410 fit together and add stability to the proximalreceptacle portion 416 of adaptor housing 410. It also provides a meansof easy assembly. Adaptor housing 410 is preferably constructed from arelatively stiff thermoplastic material, such as, for example,polyurethane, tecothane, polycarbonate and/or composites thereof.

Adaptor housing 410 is encapsulated or otherwise enclosed within atwo-part outer hull section including a distal hull section 402 a and aproximal hull section 402 b. The hull sections 402 a, 402 b are formedfrom a biocompatible material, such as, for example, silicone or asimilar material. The outer hull provides stability for the proximalreceptacle portion 412 of the adaptor 400, while offering protection andseal for biocompatibility and long-term reliability. It is envisionedand well within the scope of the subject disclosure that instead ofhaving two separate hull sections enclosing the adaptor housing 410, thehousing 410 could be over-molded with the silicone outer hull after ithas been assembled using molding techniques known in the art.

Receptacle 416 of adaptor housing 410 is configured for mechanical andelectrical connection with a quadripolar connector of a cardiac lead,and in this exemplary case, a DF-4 type connector. Receptacle 416includes a series of recesses or cavities that contain a plurality ofelectrical connectors 456 for accommodating the contacts of a four-polelead connector 450. Theses female connectors include a distal pinconnector 458 having an associated locking screw (not shown) whichtogether receive and mechanically secure the distal connector pin 454 ofquadripolar connector 450; a distal female connector 456 a for receivingand electrically connecting with a distal contact ring 451 of aquadripolar connector 450; a medial female connector 856 b for receivingand electrically connecting with a medial contact ring 452 of aquadripolar connector 450; and a proximal female connector 456 c forreceiving and electrically connecting with a proximal contact ring 453of a quadripolar connector 450.

Female connectors 456 a-456 c are constructed in accordance with thepresent invention, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-9.Accordingly, the connectors 456 a-456 c have uniquely designedconductive portions formed from a material such as titanium, 316Lstainless steel or MP35N, which are over-molded with a resilientnon-conductive material such as silicone that functions to provide asecure mechanical and electrical connection between the connectors andthe contacts.

Insulating seals 460 a-460 d are disposed within a series of recessesdefined in the receptacle 416 between adjacent ring contacts. Theseinclude a distal insulating seal 460 a disposed between pin connector458 and female connector 456 a; a first medial insulating seal 460 bdisposed between female connectors 456 a and 456 b; a second medialinsulating seal 460 c disposed between female connectors 456 b and 456c; and a proximal insulating seal 460 d disposed proximal to femaleconnector 456 c adjacent the reception bore 416 a of receptacle 416.

Adapter 400 includes an elongated, generally rectangular housing 422having opposing proximal and distal ends 424 and 426, respectively. Amating or female connector cavity 428 is defined in proximal end 424 toextend distally within housing 422. A female electrode pin receivingport 430 is disposed in the distal end of cavity 428 for receiving thepin electrode 454 of quadripolar lead 450. As shown in FIG. 6, housing422 is preferably fabricated as two elongated halves and made from anelectrically non-conductive material.

In the representative embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 9-13, femaleconnectors 456 a-456 c are constructed similar to female connector 10 ofFIGS. 1 and 2, but could be constructed in accordance with alternativeembodiment disclosed herein. More specifically, female connectors 456a-456 c include a connector body that has an outer periphery and anaperture extending therethrough. The connector body of each of theconnectors 456 a-456 c, includes flexible, non-conductive segments 482a-482 c and diametrically opposed conductive segments 480 a and 480 b.

Connectors 456 a-456 c are constructed such that when a male connector450 is inserted into receptacle 416 of adapter 400, the flexible,non-conductive segments and the conductive segments of the femaleconnecters 456 a-456 c cooperate to allow for expansion of the aperture,creating contact pressure “F” (see FIG. 13) between the conductivesegments of the female connectors and the male connector. Morespecifically, upon insertion of male connector 450, the electricallynon-conductive segments of the female connectors deflect or deformradially outward which permits passage of the male connector 450 throughreceptacle 416. However, the resilient character of the non-conductivesegments respond by exerting a radially inward force “F” to urge theconductive segments against the electrodes 451-453 located on thesurface of the male connector 450.

As shown is FIG. 11, low resistance conductive wires 480 a-480 c connectthe electrically conductive portion of female connectors 456 a-456 c tothe components and leads positioned within the distal end portion 414 ofthe lead adapter 400.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, which illustrate a pulse generatingdevice 500 that includes two receptacles 516 a and 516 b for receivingthe male connectors 551 a and 551 b associated with electrical leads 550a and 550 b. The receptacles 516 a and 516 b are formed in the headercavity 520 of pulse generating device 500. As shown in FIG. 15, eachreceptacle 516 a and 516 b includes three female connectors 556 a-556 f,which are constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention and operate as previously described.

While the subject invention of the present disclosure has been describedwith respect to preferred and exemplary embodiments, those skilled inthe art will readily appreciate that various changes and/ormodifications can be made to the invention without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention as described herein. It should also bereadily apparent that the female connectors of the present invention canbe used in the receptacles of many other devices, such as pacemakers,headers, defibrillators, neuro-stimulators, to connect, lock and unlockwith male connectors.

1. A female connector for use with a male connector, the femaleconnector comprising: a connector body having an outer periphery anddefining a through aperture, the connector body including a flexible,non-conductive portion and a conductive portion which is at leastpartially exposed in the aperture and on the outer periphery of theconnector body, the connector body being constructed such that when themale connector is inserted into the aperture of the connector body, theflexible, non-conductive part and the conductive part of the connecterbody cooperate to allow for expansion of the aperture, creating contactpressure between the conductive part of the connector body and the maleconnector.
 2. A female connector as recited in claim 1, wherein theconnector body is a cuboid.
 3. A female connector as recited in claim 1,wherein the aperture has a circular cross-section when viewed in a planeextending perpendicularly through its central axis.
 4. A femaleconnector as recited in claim 1, wherein the conductive portion of theconnector body is more rigid than the non-conductive portion of theconnector body.
 5. A female connector as recited in claim 1, wherein theconductive portion of the connector body includes two or more conductivesegments.
 6. A female connector as recited in claim 5, whereinconductive portion of the connector body includes two conductivesegments which are positioned on diametrically opposing sides of theaperture.
 7. A female connector as recited in claim 5, wherein theconductive portion of the connector body includes interlocking segmentswhich define the aperture and are free to move radially with respect toeach other.
 8. A female connector as recited in claim 1, wherein atleast a portion of the aperture is defined by the flexible,non-conductive portion of the connector body.
 9. A female connector asrecited in claim 1, wherein the conductive portion of the connector bodydefines an inner diametrical surface of the aperture.
 10. A femaleconnector as recited in claim 9, wherein the inner diametrical surfacedefined by the conductive portion of the connector body includes aplurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending grooves.
 11. Afemale connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the conductive portionof the connector body is made from either titanium, 316L stainless steelor MP35N, or combinations thereof.
 12. A female connector as recited inclaim 1, wherein the conductive portion of the connector body is madefrom a nonmagnetic, nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy.
 13. Afemale connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the non-conductiveportion of the connector body is made from silicon.
 14. A femaleconnector as recited in claim 1, wherein the connector body is madeusing an over-molded process.
 15. A female connector as recited in claim1, wherein the connector body is made using an injection moldingprocess.
 16. A female connector for use with a male connector having anouter diameter, the female connector comprising: a connector body havingan outer periphery and defining a through aperture, the connector bodyincluding a flexible, non-conductive portion and a conductive portionwhich is at least partially exposed in the aperture and on the outerperiphery of the connector body, the connector body being constructedsuch that when the outer diameter of the male connector is larger thanthe inner diameter of the aperture, the flexible, non-conductive partand conductive part of the connecter body cooperate to allow forexpansion of the aperture and receipt of the male connector and createcontact pressure between the conductive part of the connector body andthe male connector.
 17. A female connector as recited in claim 16,wherein the connector body is a cuboid.
 18. A female connector asrecited in claim 16, wherein the aperture has a circular cross-sectionwhen viewed in a plane extending perpendicularly through its centralaxis.
 19. A female connector as recited in claim 16, wherein theconductive portion of the connector body is more rigid than thenon-conductive portion of the connector body.
 20. A female connector asrecited in claim 16, wherein the conductive portion of the connectorbody includes two or more conductive segments.
 21. A female connector asrecited in claim 20, wherein conductive portion of the connector bodyincludes two conductive segments which are positioned on diametricallyopposing sides of the aperture.
 22. A female connector as recited inclaim 20, wherein the conductive portion of the connector body includesinterlocking segments which define the aperture and are free to moveradially with respect to each other.
 23. A female connector as recitedin claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the aperture is defined bythe flexible, non-conductive portion of the connector body.
 24. A femaleconnector as recited in claim 16, wherein the conductive portion of theconnector body defines an inner diametrical surface of the aperture. 25.A female connector as recited in claim 24, wherein the inner diametricalsurface defined by the conductive portion of the connector body includesa plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending grooves. 26.A female connector as recited in claim 16, wherein the conductiveportion of the connector body is made from either titanium, 316Lstainless steel or MP35N, or combinations thereof.
 27. A femaleconnector as recited in claim 16, wherein the conductive portion of theconnector body is made from a nonmagnetic,nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy.
 28. A female connector asrecited in claim 16, wherein the non-conductive portion of the connectorbody is made from silicon.
 29. A female connector as recited in claim16, wherein the connector body is made using an over-molded process. 30.A female connector as recited in claim 16, wherein the connector body ismade using an injection molding process.
 31. An electrical adapter forreceiving at least one male connector, the adapter comprising: a) ahousing defining at least one receptacle for receiving the maleconnector; and b) at least one female connector disposed within thereceptacle defined by the housing, the female connector including aconnector body having an outer periphery and defining a throughaperture, the connector body including a flexible, non-conductiveportion and a conductive portion which is at least partially exposed inthe aperture and on the outer periphery of the connector body, theconnector body being constructed such that when the male connector isinserted into the aperture of the connector body, the flexible,non-conductive part and the conductive part of the connecter bodycooperate to allow for expansion of the aperture, creating contactpressure between the conductive part of the connector body and the maleconnector.
 32. An electrical adapter as recited in claim 31, furthercomprising a plurality of female connectors coaxially positioned withinthe receptacle and axially spaced apart, each female connector beingadapted for electrical communication with surface electrodes provided onthe male connector.
 33. An electrical adapter as recited in claim 31,wherein the housing is made substantially from electricallynon-conductive material.